Northern Ireland Queen's University Belfast
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Queen's University Belfast
Program Snapshot Hi ya! We're so excited that you're preparing to study abroad on an IFSA-Butler program and have chosen Queen's University as your destination for the summer. The International Summer School program at Queen's is taught by the Institute of Irish Studies, which was founded in 1965 and the first of its kind to be established in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The Institute of Irish Studies is an internationally-renowned centre of Irish scholarship and during the summer program you'll have the chance to hear and interact with internationally-acclaimed scholars on various aspects of the study of Ireland, including history, politics, anthropology, film and theatre, language, music and literature. We are sure that you will love it! There is just one form, in addition to the forms for your IFSA-Butler application, that you'll need to complete before your application is ready to be submitted to the Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University for an admissions decision. The form can be found under the Forms tab . What the Queen's summer program has to offer
Housing
Academics
Academic StructureThe summer program at Queen's is an exciting, jam-packed three week program that blends traditional learning with fieldwork and social activity. Students are encouraged to learn about Irish and Northern Irish culture both inside and outside of the classroom. Lectures and seminars are given by internationally-acclaimed scholars from Queen's University and elsewhere on various aspects of the study of Ireland, including history, politics, anthropology, film and theatre, music, language and literature.Students also have the opportunity to meet and have discussions with representatives of Northern Ireland's political parties, often within the walls of the Stormont Parliament Buildings, which is the seat of devolved government in Northern Ireland. Aspects of the conflict and the current situation in Northern Ireland are explored and examined through meetings and dialogue with community group leaders, church leaders, politicians and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Field excursions include archaeological, historical and cultural sites in Belfast and beyond. A fieldtrip to the historical city of Derry incorporates a visit to the Tower Museum, the Museum of Free Derry and a tour of the murals and the Derry walls. Trips to the famous Giant's Causeway on the North Antrim Coast and to Dunluce Castle are also included.
CourseThe focus of the summer program is Irish Studies, which is one of the most established subject areas within the field of 'Area Studies'. The summer program is an interdisciplinary program covers all subjects in the field of Irish Studies such as history, anthropology, literature, politics, film, theatre and drama.To view a last year's program, please click here.
Course RestrictionsStudents attending the IFSA-Butler summer program at the Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University are required to take the summer program for credit and to complete all work.
CreditsYou must take a full Queen's University International Summer Schools course load as determined by IFSA-Butler. Students will receive 3 U.S. semester credit hours for completion of the Irish Studies summer program. The course is graded on an A–F scale, and there is no provision for pass/fail or audit. Program participation is not intended for just personal enrichment, but also to gain academic credit. Students must take Irish Studies for credit and complete all course work.
ExamsStudents do not have exams, but rather are required to attend the mandatory lectures, seminars and field trips. Students will also be required to complete an essay between 5,000 and 7,000 words, including bibliography, to be submitted at the end of the program by the deadline established by the Institute for Irish Studies, Queen's University.
TranscriptsAfter you have returned to the U.S., your home university will receive a Butler University transcript with the credit you earned on the Queen's University International Summer School program. The Butler University transcript will report the equivalent U.S. semester credit hours and letter grades. We also will send an official transcript to your permanent address.Suggested Reading ListThe summer program designed by the Institute of Irish Studies, Queen's University is to give students a broad introduction to Irish Studies. However, some background knowledge would enable you to gain more from the program. If you wish to read or research a bit before you go, here is a suggested Reading List that will help you. General Political and Historical Information For information on the troubles, the background to the Northern Ireland peace process and much more, visit the Conflict Archive on the CAIN website In particular, look at the section called 'Background on the Northern Ireland Conflict' In this section you can read: John Darby's article 'Northern Ireland, The Background to the Peace Process' Also on the CAIN website in the Parade section of 'Key Issues on the Northern Ireland Conflict' you can read: 'Drumcree: An Introduction to Parade Disputes' a chapter from the book Orange Parades: The Politics of Ritual, Tradition and Control by Dominic Bryan (2000) 'The Endless Parade' a chapter from the book Material Conflicts by Neil Jarman (1997) Books: General Background to Politics and History in Northern Ireland Fraser, Tom 'Ireland in conflict 1922 – 1998 (London: Routledge, 1999) Hennessey, Thomas 'A history of Northern Ireland 1920-1996' (Dublin: Gill & Macmillan, 1997) McKittrick, David and McVea, David 'Making sense of the troubles' (Belfast: Blackstaff, 2000) Mulholland, Marc 'Northern Ireland: a very short introduction' (Oxford University Press: 2003) Environment and Landscape Evans, E. Estyn 'The personality of Ireland : habitat, heritage and history' (Blackstaff Press, 1981) Aalen, Whelan, Stout (eds) 'Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape' (Cork University Press 1997) History Bardon, Jonathan 'A History of Ulster' (Blackstaff, 1992) McIntosh, Gill 'The force of culture: Unionist identities in 20th Century Ireland' (Cork University Press, 1999) Literature and the Troubles Seamus Heaney, 'Selected Poems' (Faber, London 1980) Wilson, Robert McLiam, 'Eureka Street' (Secker & Warburg, London, 1996) Recommended Literature Websites: The International Association for the Study of Irish Literatures is a main academic organization dealing with Irish literature. Many interesting things here, plus links to a host of other Irish literary resources, archive and website. Island Ireland is a very good opening link which will lead you to many other places, such as: You should also refer to the Institute for Irish Studies website for information on local organisations, archives, libraries and community groups etc at: Housing
Summer Program HousingStudents on the Queen's University summer program live in Queen's Elms, which are furnished student residence halls approximately a 15-minute walk from campus. The individual bedrooms are grouped in units of 10-11 rooms. The single study bedrooms are en-suite.The residence halls are equipped with telephones and have a common room where students can watch television, study or get together. A self-service laundry room is available six days a week.
MealsThere are not any meal plans at Queen's. The accommodation is self-catering. However, a cooked breakfast (cereal, toast, bacon, sausage, egg, potato bread, soda bread, tea/coffee and juice) will be available each morning and is included in your program fee. Breakfast is normally served between 8.00–9.00 a.m. You will also have access to kitchen facilities where you may prepare lunch and dinner. If you prefer not to cook, several cafes and restaurants are nearby.
Housing FAQsIs my housing included in the program fee?Yes. Your program fee includes accommodation at the university while the programs are in session. You will be responsible for the cost of your meals and any commuting costs you may incur. Will I have access to a computer? Computer logins/passwords will be issued on the first morning of registration at Queen's. Will I need to bring my own sheets? What should I do if I have any special needs? When will I receive my housing assignment? Location Info
Queen's and the Institute for Irish StudiesFounded by Queen Victoria in 1845 as the Queen's University in Ireland, the university was designed to be a non-denominational alternative to Trinity College Dublin which was controlled by the Anglican Church.There were three Queen's Colleges - in Cork, Galway and Belfast. Although it was the first University in the north of Ireland, Queen's drew on a tradition of learning which goes back to 1810 and the foundation of the Belfast Academical Institution. Queen's welcomed its first group of 90 students in 1849 into a beautiful new college building designed and built by Charles Lanyon. Since then, the University estate has grown to more than 300 buildings - many of them listed for their architectural importance. The most significant date in the early years of the University's life was 1908 when the three Queen's Colleges, and the Royal University (which replaced the Queen's University in Ireland in 1879), were dissolved and replaced by the Queen's University of Belfast and the National University of Ireland. The Institute of Irish Studies at Queen's University Belfast was the first of its kind to be established in the United Kingdom and Ireland (1965). It was established "to encourage interest and to promote and co-ordinate research in those fields of study which have a particular Irish interest". The Institute is one of the leading centers for research-led teaching in Irish Studies. At the two most recent research assessment exercises, when all university departments in the United Kingdom were assessed and rated on the quality of their research on a scale of 1-5, the Institute achieved a top grade 5. The Institute of Irish Studies is organized, not as a stand alone research unit, but as a focus for the larger body of research being undertaken at Queen's University and beyond. The main research strategy is to explore the social, political, cultural and geographical factors that have influenced the people of this island and its diasporas. Research is conducted into the physical and political environment of the north of Ireland, mapping its unique influence on wider Irish and British identities. The Institute has offered a very popular MA program since 1987, providing the opportunity for graduates to undertake interdisciplinary study in the field of Irish Studies: The Director of the Institute is Dr Dominic Bryan. His research interests include political anthropology, ethnicity, Orangeism, policing and human rights. Dr. Bryan is also the head of the Summer program. BelfastAbout Belfast:
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Links Dates & FeesQueen's University Summer Program DatesProgram dates coming soon! Click here to view our full Ireland summer program calendar. Queen's University Summer Program FeesFees Info:
Click here to view a full list of Ireland summer program fees. What's included in our Ireland summer program fees
Personal Cost EstimatesPersonal cost estimates for the summer program are coming soon!Click here to view a full list of Ireland summer personal cost estimates. FormsApplicants to the summer program at Queen's University just need to complete one additional form, in addition to their IFSA-Butler application. Please download, print and complete the following: Submit this forms, along with the remainder of your IFSA-Butler application or as soon as possible. Once your IFSA-Butler application and this form have been received, your application can be sent to the Institute for Irish Studies! Your forms can be sent to IFSA-Butler via email, fax, or regular mail. You can track which application forms IFSA-Butler has received by logging into the Student Portal. Meet Your IFSA-Butler TeamIFSA-Butler has a dedicated team of staff who are here to help students prepare for their summer program at Queen's University Belfast:
Get ConnectedConnect with IFSA-Butler StudentsIf you really want to know what it's like to study abroad, connect with IFSA-Butler alumni and students who are currently abroad on an IFSA-Butler program, check out the following: Student Network PhotosThis Flash content
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 = to image source  = close image ScholarshipsThe Queen's University Belfast summer program has a new partnership with the Fulbright Commission. Students can apply to the Fulbright Commission for a substantial scholarship. However, students still apply through IFSA-Butler for admission to the Queen's summer program. Fulbright award benefits include round-trip airfare, tuition and fees, and housing and meals. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, have a GPA of 3.5, and have at least two years of undergraduate university studies left. For more information this great opportunity, visit the Fulbright Commission website. |
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